Sunderland have overseen one of the most ambitious and dramatic summer windows in the club’s history, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman at the heart of a £167.1million rebuild designed to establish the Black Cats in the Premier League.
In total, Sunderland have brought 15 players through the door, including major defensive, midfield and attacking reinforcements, while also completing 17 departures as part of a wide-ranging overhaul of Régis Le Bris’ squad. On top of that, the club have secured six key contract renewals, tying down several core players and the head coach to long-term deals.
The arrivals include established internationals, high-potential young talents and proven Premier League performers, reflecting Sunderland’s ambition to compete at the highest level. Alongside that, a number of notable exits have reshaped the squad significantly, as players left for Premier League rivals, Championship challengers and European clubs.
Speakman and his recruitment team have delivered one of the most active windows in English football, balancing investment in elite quality with a focus on sustainability, future value and youth development. From marquee signings and record deals to surprise departures and breakthrough contract extensions, this summer has transformed Sunderland’s short and long-term prospects – and there’s a lot to unpack.
In our full gallery, we break down every incoming transfer, every outgoing deal and every new contract agreed at the Stadium of Light during this record-breaking summer:
29. OUT: Milan Aleksic
Sunderland midfielder Milan Aleksic has joined Polish side Cracovia on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old joined from FK Radnicki 1923 in his home country of Serbia last summer and has made 10 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions, scoring one goal. | Sunderland's Milan Aleksic - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
30. OUT: Nathan Bishop
Nathan Bishop has joined AFC Wimbledon. The goalkeeper has agreed a three-year contract at Plough Lane, bringing an end to a two-year spell at the Stadium of Light. After spending the majority of last season on loan in the third tier with Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United, Bishop returns to League One following the Dons’ play-off Final triumph in May. Photo: Pete Norton
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31. OUT: Pierre Ekwah
Sunderland confirmed that Pierre Ekwah has completed a permanent transfer to AS Saint-Étienne. The midfielder moved for an undisclosed fee after the Ligue 2 side triggered an option in the agreement that saw the Frenchman spend the 2024-25 season on loan at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. | AFP via Getty Images
32. OUT: Alan Browne
Sunderland have confirmed that Alan Browne has joined Middlesbrough on loan for the 2025-26 season. The midfielder departs for Teesside following 12 months at the Stadium of Light, during which he made 23 appearances as the club earned promotion to the Premier League. | Getty Images